By the middle of last year, more than 1.5 billion square feet of tile had already been consumed in the United States, according to a leading industry group, and that consumption number regularly increases. This isn’t terribly surprising. Tile is a durable, low maintenance, versatile and generally affordable building material used indoors and out.
If you’re a homeowner planning to remodel or a building professional planning a new project, chances are you have a number penciled in for tile. Chances are, you also care what it looks like, so that your space is up to date. Where are you getting your style pointers? If you answered Europe, you’re ahead of the game. Some of the most technologically-advanced, trend-setting tiles come from Spain and Italy.
Cevisama, the massive annual tile expo in Valencia, Spain is the first major event each year to track European trends. Here’s what was hot at the just-wrapped show, according to Tile of Spain, the Miami-based branch of the Spanish tile manufacturers’ trade association.
Color and Pattern
Bright colors, colorful murals, botanicals and interesting textures were hot this year. Europeans use tile in ways Americans don’t, like feature walls or headboards, for example. This trend might show up here on backsplashes or fireplace surrounds for adventurous clients.
Color and pattern spark new tile styles.Bestile/A Tile of Spain member company
Cement Style
Classic hydraulic looks have made a strong comeback these past few years, and continue to trend. They’re showing up on floors and walls, in both traditional and contemporary spaces these days, especially in eclectic bathrooms.
Classic cement-look tiles are showing up in contemporary projects.Peronda/A Tile of Spain member company
Stone Cold Beauty
You don’t need to invest in natural stone to enjoy its classic beauty any longer. European tile manufacturers have expertly reproduced its dramatic veining in low maintenance porcelain. It can be used in ever-larger slabs, as well, for countertops or shower surrounds. In addition to marble, you’ll also see more rustic, weathered stones for interior or exterior projects.
You don’t need natural stone to get the look any longer.Azteca/A Tile of Spain member company
Wood Inspirations
Wood is another natural material that is well-rendered in tile. We’ve seen it in glossy and matte, textured and smooth. It is not a new trend, but one that continues to attract. Given its ability to look great indoors and out, including on both sides of a sliding glass wall, or in a full bathroom, it’s not surprising that wood-look tile is still a popular choice.
Wood-look tile goes places wood cannot, like into showers.Peronda/A Tile of Spain member company
Subway Tile Renewal
Here’s another oldie but goodie that still has strong appeal. You’ll see subway tile now in larger sizes or installed in non-horizontal patterns like herringbone or vertical. You’ll also see dimensional tile, darker grout colors, and mixed finishes for updated looks.
An old style learns new tricks for a new millennium.Natucer/A Tile of Spain member company
More places to see tile trends
If you didn’t make it to Spain for Cevisama, the also massive Cersaie expo in Bologna, Italy showcases global tile trends every September. Closer to home, the Spanish, Italian and North American tile industries unite in hosting Coverings every April in the United States. This year’s expo will be held in Orlando from April 9 through 12. (I’ll be attending again as part of the producer’s press trip.) If you’re not in the building trades, see if your architect, contractor or interior designer can bring you as a guest.